2.02.2013

Times Group reacquires Miss Universe franchise for India

VINEET JAIN

The Times of India Group has bagged the franchise rights for the Miss
Universe pageant in India. An agreement to this effect was recently
signed at the Miss Universe headquarters in New York. Speaking
on the occasion, Times Group MD Vineet Jain, said, "I am happy that the
Miss Universe pageant is back once again with the Times Group." The Miss India Universe pageant will be produced in isolation as a
stand-alone contest end of June to choose a winner who will represent
India at the Miss Universe pageant. Marc Robinson, Director
Operations, Miss India, added, "Miss Universe is back where it
rightfully belongs, with The Times Group. It is the oldest and most
credible organisation in India capable of conducting and producing
pageants on an international level, while keeping in mind international
pageant requirements and standards. Both Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta
rose to fame after winning the Miss India, and subsequently the Miss
Universe titles, in the years 1994 and 2000, respectively." (Source: The Times of India, 2/2/2013)